Mawaqi al-Nujum | Shaykh Ibn al-Arabi | Abrar Ahmed Shahi | مواقع النجوم

Composed in Almeria over the course of eleven nights during Ramadan in 595/1199, this book was dedicated to Ibn al-'Arabi's disciple Badr al-Ḥabashi. Within its pages, the author expounds upon the three levels of surrender (islām), faith (īmān), and right action (iḥsān), as well as their corresponding degrees of potential realization. Of particular note is Ibn al-'Arabi's discussion of the seven external bodily parts, including the eyes, ears, tongue, hands, stomach, genitals, and feet, and how they may be utilized in the act of Divine praise. The author underscores the importance of extending Divine mercy to others, stating "This is the Mercy which has extended over you – so extend it!" Furthermore, Ibn al-'Arabi emphasizes that this book is not only meant for disciples, but also for masters, as it represents the highest level attainable in the sacred Law of worship. The benefits of this book, according to the author, are immense and those who possess it will find sustenance in its pages with the aid of God

اس کتاب کی تعریف کرتے ہوئے شیخ اکبر فتوحات مکیہ میں فرماتے ہیں:
“میں نے اِسے شہر المریہ میں رمضان المبارک سن 595 ھ کے گیارہ ایام میں تالیف کیا۔ یہ (کتاب) شیخ سے بے نیاز کرتی ہے بلکہ شیخ کو اس کی ضرورت ہے، بے شک شیوخ میں عالی بھی ہیں اور اعلی بھی، اور یہ کتاب اس اعلی مقام پر ہے کہ جس پر کوئی شیخ ہو سکتا ہے، کہ (ہماری) شریعت میں اِس سے آگے کوئی مقام نہیں، جس کا ہمیں مکلف کیا گیا۔سو یہ (کتاب) جس کے ہاتھ لگے تو اُسے چاہیے کہ اِس پر توفیق الہی سے اعتماد کرے؛ کیونکہ اِس کا فائدہ عظیم ہے۔ اور میں تجھے اس کی منزلت کی پہچان اسی لیے کروا رہا ہوں کیونکہ میں نے حق تعالی کو خواب میں دو مرتبہ دیکھا، اور وہ مجھے کہہ رہا تھا: “میرے بندوں کو نصیحت کر۔” یہ وہ سب سے بڑی نصیحت ہے جو میں نے تجھے کی، اللہ ہی توفیق دینے والا ہے اور اسی کے ہاتھ ہدایت ہے، ہمارے ہاتھ تو کچھ نہیں۔

Based on the available information, the "best" available manuscripts for Mawaqi al-Nujum appear to be those prioritized in Abrar Ahmed Shahi's critical edition. Specifically:

1. Yusuf Aga 5001: Its authorship by Sadruddin Qunawi, inclusion of Ibn al-Arabi's signatures, and the presence of samāʿ make it exceptionally significant, despite its physical condition. It offers the closest known link to Ibn al-Arabi's immediate circle and potentially his own readings or endorsements of the text .  

2. Bayazet 3750: Its early copying date (782 AH) and explicit lineage tracing back to a manuscript from 596 AH in Qurtaba make it a crucial witness to the early textual tradition of the work, providing a valuable insight into its transmission shortly after its composition .  

3. Shehit Ali 1431: Its relatively early date (676 AH), clarity, comprehensive nature, and stylistic features suggesting a direct replication from Ibn al-Arabi's original manuscript contribute to its importance as a reliable source .  

4. Majlis shora milli 594: Despite being incomplete, its early transcription date (653 AH, based on a 606 AH copy) and claim of originating from Ibn al-Arabi's writings make it a valuable manuscript that could preserve early and potentially authentic readings .  

These manuscripts, forming the core of Abrar Ahmed Shahi's critical edition, stand out due to their age, proximity to the author and his immediate circle, and features that suggest a high degree of accuracy in their transmission of the text. While other manuscripts exist, the detailed attention given to these specific copies in the new critical edition, along with the reasons provided for their selection, indicates their significance for establishing a reliable text of Mawaqi al-Nujum.